Breed AppearanceIn the United States, the United Kennel Club (UKC) represents the breed as shown in Portugal and all FCI countries - the three sizes, all with two coat
varieties - as one breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has divided the breed into the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno and the Portuguese Podengo (includes the medio and grande size).
This breed Portuguese Podengo is represented by the American Portuguese Podengo MedioGrande Club. The Pequeno entered the AKC Misc class in January 2011 and entered the Hound
Class in January 2013. The Portuguese Podengo (which includes the Medio and Grande), has entered AKC Miscellaneous Class on January 1, 2014.

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is characterized by a wedge shaped head, with erect ears and a curved tail. The AKC breed standards include the following points:
Height (8 to 12 inches), Weight (9 to 13 pounds), Color (Yellow or Fawn), and Coat (Wire or Smooth).

Wire Coat

The WPP is a small-sized type with a rough coat. The single coat (without undercoat) does shed but not very much.

Smooth Coat

The SPP is a small-sized type with a dense smooth coat with undercoat that is low maintenance. It naturally sheds dust and dirt and dries very quickly. The height for the Portuguese
Podengo Peqeuno is 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) and weight is 4-6 kg (9-13 lbs). Dogs should not exceed the maximum height.

HistoryThe Portuguese Hound, descended from large-eared hounds, is very common in northern Portugal where it is used as a hunter and pet. There
are three varieties: - The Podengo Portugueso Medio (Podengo grande), a very rare breed used for hunting large game;- The Medium Portuguese
Hound (Podengo medio), which hunts rabbit in packs or alone and looks very much like the Ibizan Hound;- The Small Portuguese Hound (Podengo
pequeno), which hunts rabbit underground and looks much like the Chihuahua.

BehaviorThis rustic, extremely lively dog is used for hunting, but also makes an excellent pet and loyal guard dog. Firm training is
required.

HealthA very healthy breed. Because this breed has had relatively limited intervention by humans, it has a low incidence of known inherited defects or diseases.

AdviceThe Portuguese Hound requires a lot of exercise and room to run. Daily brushing is required.